Dr. Chandler Robbins

ROBBINS Dr. Chandler S. Robbins Chandler Seymour Robbins completed the earth-portion of his life on March 20, 2017. What a full life it has been! Born in Belmont, MA July 17, 1918 to speech therapist professors, Samuel Dowse and Rosa Seymour Robbins, Chandler was introduced early to the marvels of birdlife. Young Chan pursued careful observation and bird banding research, posing questions and ideas in correspondence with the banding lab director, Fred Lincoln. Chandler earned his B.A. degree in Physics at Harvard and taught math and science at Windsor Mt. prep school in Vermont until the WW II draft. Under the Selective Service System, Robbins selected Civilian Public Service and was assigned to U.S. Forest Service camps in MA and NH. Then Fred Lincoln in Washington, DC sought Robbins out to request his transfer to the national banding office. In 1945, Director Lincoln hired Robbins as a junior biologist in the banding office at Patuxent Research Refuge, Laurel, MD. Early Patuxent studies focused on mapping habitatareas and their migratory bird populations, both breeding and wintering. In 1950 Robbins earned an M.A. in Zoology from George Washington University, and in 1995 he was awarded a Doctor of Science by University of Maryland. Robbins' 60-plus year Patuxent career contributed much to migratory bird population research. His hallmark achievement, the Breeding Bird Survey, is celebrating its 51st year. This carefully standardized census is hailed as the premier index of continental bird population changes. Seeing bird population trends linked directly to habitat, Robbins designed local and tropical studies comparing large whole forests with fragmented forests, training locals who continue these studies. His landmark "Birds of North America: A Guide to Field Identification" has sold over 6 million copies. Chandler and his bride, Eleanor (Cooley), of nearly 60 years, raised four children who survive him: Jane, Stuart, George and Nancy. Besides accepting speaking engagements and treaty-building assignments internationally, Robbins traveled with his family. Retiring at age 87, he continued speaking, banding (lifetime 150,000+ birds), bird census studies, publishing, editing, encouraging youth, singing in his church choir, and of course birding, near and far, taking his family with him. The family would appreciate any donations to be made to Maryland Ornithological Society, Patuxent Visitor's Center, First United Methodist Church of Laurel, or Brooks Bird Club Inc, of Wheeling, WV, or to the charity of one's choice. A memorial service is planned for Saturday, April 15 at First United Methodist Church, 424 Main St., Laurel, MD, 9 a.m. visiting, 10 a.m. service, with lunch following. For additional parking info, see www.fumcl.org. For additional bio details, see www.donaldsonfuneralhome.com www.donaldsonfuneralhome.com